FAACTS Ltd
Become a Foster Carer
Changing a child's life starts with opening your home and your heart. FAACTS Ltd is here to guide you every step of the way.
Could you be a foster carer?
Fostering is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Every year, thousands of children across the UK need a safe, nurturing home — and foster carers come from all walks of life. You don't need to own your home, be married, or have children of your own.
What matters most is that you can offer a child stability, patience, and genuine care. FAACTS Ltd works alongside prospective foster carers to help you understand the process, prepare for assessment, and feel confident before you take your first step.
Who can foster?
Fostering is open to people from all backgrounds. Here's what you'll generally need:
Age
You must be at least 21 years old. There is no upper age limit — what matters is your health, energy, and commitment.
Living situation
You can be single, married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting. You can rent or own your home, as long as there is a suitable spare room for the child.
Employment
You can be employed, self-employed, or not working. One carer in the household must be available full-time to care for the child.
Background checks
All adults in the household will undergo enhanced DBS checks. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you — each case is considered individually.
Health
You'll need a medical assessment. Most health conditions do not prevent you from fostering.
Experience
No formal childcare qualifications are required. Life experience, empathy, and a willingness to learn are what count.
The fostering journey
From your first enquiry to welcoming a child, here's what to expect:
Initial enquiry
Get in touch with us or your chosen fostering agency. We'll answer your questions and help you decide if fostering is right for you.
Information session
Attend an information event or have an informal chat with a social worker to learn more about the types of fostering and what's involved.
Formal application
Complete an application form. A social worker will visit your home and begin building a picture of your household and motivations.
Assessment (Form F)
A thorough assessment of your background, relationships, parenting capacity, and home environment. This typically takes 4–6 months.
Fostering panel
Your assessment is presented to an independent fostering panel who make a recommendation on your approval.
Approval & matching
Once approved, you'll be matched with a child whose needs fit your skills and household. Your support worker will guide you through the placement.
Types of fostering
Short-term fostering
Caring for a child for a few weeks or months while longer-term plans are made. This is the most common type of fostering.
Long-term fostering
Providing a stable, permanent home for a child who cannot return to their birth family and for whom adoption is not the plan.
Emergency fostering
Providing an immediate safe place for a child at very short notice, sometimes for just a night or a weekend.
Respite fostering
Giving other foster carers a short break by caring for their foster child for a few days or a weekend.
Parent and child fostering
Supporting a young parent and their baby or child together, helping the parent develop their parenting skills.
Therapeutic fostering
Caring for children with complex emotional and behavioural needs, with specialist training and enhanced support from FAACTS Ltd.
How FAACTS Ltd supports you
Becoming a foster carer is a big step, and you won't take it alone. FAACTS Ltd provides independent guidance, pre-approval mentoring, and ongoing advocacy so you always have someone in your corner — from your first enquiry right through to your first placement and beyond.
- Independent pre-assessment guidance and preparation
- Support navigating the Form F assessment process
- Advocacy if concerns arise during or after assessment
- Access to FAACTS training programmes for new carers
- Ongoing mentoring and peer support networks
Help spread the word
Know someone who could make a great foster carer?
Share this guide with friends, family, or colleagues — you could help change a child's life.
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Ready to take the first step?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our experienced advisors. We'll answer your questions, address any concerns, and help you decide if fostering is the right path for you.